MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

SECONDARY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME

SEPTEMBER 2020

WEEK ONE: LESSON ONE

Subject: English A
GRADE: Seven
TOPIC: Paragraph Writing
SUB TOPIC: Parts of a Paragraph

OBJECTIVES:
With the aid of a sample paragraph students will:
 Correctly define the term „paragraph‟.
 Correctly identify the different parts of a paragraph.
 Correctly write a paragraph on a given topic, incorporating the three main parts.
Concept: The parts of a paragraph are foundational to writing well-structured paragraphs, which
in turn build well-structured essays.

Content
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph is a group of related sentences that deal with one main idea on a topic. It usually has
one sentence that introduces the main idea. This sentence is called the topic sentence. All the
other sentences support this topic sentence.
A paragraph can be written alone or as a part of a larger body of writing such as an essay, a
report, or a newspaper article.
When written alone, it makes a point on something. When written as a part of a passage, it
supports the whole topic being written about in that passage.
Paragraphs are important because they help you to organize your thoughts and ideas in a passage.
In this way you send the clearest message to the readers.
Parts of a Paragraph
1. The Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is usually the first sentence in a paragraph. It is introductory, meaning
it should not include details, rather, it should introduce the main idea which will be
supported by the rest of your paragraph.

2. The Supporting Sentences

This is where the detailed sentences go to support the main idea in the topic sentence.

3. The Concluding Sentence

In formal paragraphs you will sometimes see a sentence at the end of the paragraph which
summarizes the information that has been presented. This is the concluding sentence. You can
think of a concluding sentence as a sort of topic sentence in reverse.

Paragraph Rules:
 Indent the first word in a paragraph (start the first word of the paragraph a little to the
right of the left-hand margin).
 Start a paragraph with a topic sentence, which states the main idea of that paragraph.
 Any time you begin writing about a new idea, begin a new paragraph.

Example of a Paragraph
[My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features] (topic sentence). [First, it is

noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. On either side of this river, which is 175

feet wide, are many willow trees which have long branches that can move gracefully in the wind. In

autumn the leaves of these trees fall and cover the riverbanks like golden snow. Also, on the other side of

the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. Even though it is steep, climbing this

hill is not dangerous, because there are some firm rocks along the sides that can be used as stairs. There

are no trees around this hill, so it stands clearly against the sky and can be seen from many miles

away. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is

probably about six hundred years old] (Supporting sentences). [These three landmarks are truly

amazing and make my hometown a famous place] (concluding sentence).

Exercise 1

Instructions: The following sentences are jumbled. Re-arrange each in a paragraph with the sentences

placed in logical order, identifying the topic sentence, supporting sentences and the concluding sentence.

You can see other islands which are close to it.

Hare is a map of Barbados.

You may also see your country.

The islands are small but are well known as tourist islands.

They are visited by tourists from Europe and North America.

I hope one day I shall visit some of these islands.

Exercise 2

Build a paragraph on one of the following topics:

1. Sunday morning at home

2. My mother‟s daily chores at home

3. Your town or village

Answer Sheet – Paragraph Writing

Exercise 1

Hare is a map of Barbados. Topic Sentence

[You can see other islands which are close to it.

You may also see your country.

The islands are small but are well known as tourist islands.

They are visited by tourists from Europe and North America.] supporting Sentences

I hope one day I shall visit some of these islands. Concluding sentence

Exercise 2

Students’ written paragraphs